Have the Packers Improved Their Passing Game Enough for 2020?

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The Green Bay Packers have made a few offseason moves and executed an interesting draft, to say the least. However, the Packers did little to address the passing game, which was viewed as one of Green Bay’s biggest weaknesses heading into the offseason. Are there enough talented receivers on this Packer team?

Returning Packers Receivers

Outside of Davante Adams, the 2019 Packers were relatively sparse at the wideout spot. The emergence of Allen Lazard throughout the season was a welcomed surprise to a group that needed a boost. Jake Kumerow, a fan favorite who is also a favorite of Aaron Rodgers, still seems to have a role as one of the more consistent route runners and arguably the best run blocking receiver on the team. That will be significant in the run-heavy LaFleur system. That said, he will need to find a way to work his way into the offense even more to warrant a roster spot.

Also returning is Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a receiver with high speed who is entering Year 3 in Green Bay. MVS had a pretty good rookie campaign, but seemed to get lost in the mix as 2019 wound down. Also needing a rebound is Equanimeous St. Brown, who missed the entire 2019 campaign with an ankle injury. The 2019 draftee Jace Sternberger will look to fill the void that Jimmy Graham left as the primary receiving tight end.

Offseason Packers Receiving Acquisitions

Green Bay brought in veteran Devin Funchess in attempt to bolster the offense. Funchess missed all but one game in 2019, but did have three catches for 32 yards prior to his injury. Funchess had a career year in 2017 with the Panthers, totaling 63 catches for 840 yards and eight touchdowns. He brings size and versatility to the Packers receiver corps, with an ability to play all over the field.

Curiously, the only draft pick the Packers spent on a receiver was hybrid tight end/h-back Josiah Deguara. The rookie flashed some slot ability during his time in college, but has an unclear role in with the Packers in 2020.

CFL Star Signed

Also, a name people may want to pay attention to is Reggie Begelton, who signed with Green Bay after spending the last three years with the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL. During his 2019 season, Begelton had 102 receptions for 1,444 yards and 10 total touchdowns. Perhaps the most impressive stat about Begelton is his high catch rate, catching 71% of targets, which would have put him behind only Adams on the 2019 Packers squad. Begelton has a talent for finding ways to get open behind the defense with good speed and could find a way into the slot position, should he make the team.

So, with that in mind, did Green Bay do enough to improve the offense? Did it need to in the first place, or is the only remedy needed more time in LaFleur’s system? Or, should the Packers consider adding another veteran free agent?

Yes, the Packers drafted a quarterback in the first round, but they still have one of the best passers to ever play the game. The must make sure he has enough talent around him, if they wish to make another deep playoff run.

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